The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass

Translator: Khan

Editor Group: Liber Reverie

Furthermore, looking at Ruby's expression, it seemed as if she was going to instigate the servants of the Imperial Castle like Annie before.

Public opinion changed rapidly after so many times of meetings with the noble ladies. It was not because she had leaked different information to the noble ladies, but because she gave the same information over time for them to compete with one another.

It was the purpose of the noble ladies to get information that others did not know by showing a little better to Aria. Not only that but also occasionally, she had leaked information to male aristocrats, to create a situation for them to scold their wives.

"These days, I'm just told about the Crown Princess everywhere, and I feel really strange."

Asher, with a very sour look, said to Aria as if he was annoyed. It was not because Aria had created competition among the nobles, but simply because they had mentioned Aria. He seemed to be irritated.

"It was the only way I could feel at ease."

So Aria replied, a little troubled, and the eyes of Asher turned grim.

"Shall I get rid of them then?"

"Get rid of them?"

"If the Crown Princess feels comfortable at home, I should get them out of your sight."

"… The noble ladies?"

The look was so serious that she asked him, and he soon nodded.

"If you want, I should."

"Oh, my God… If you do that, you will decorate a page of history as a rare tyrant, so I'll just have to take care of it."

As soon as she answered so with her fork down, Asher gave a very pleasant laugh. Fortunately, the expression on his face seemed to be a mixture of lies.

"I see. You're so worried, and I'll have to restrain myself."

"Don't even think about it in your dreams."

"I hope you pay much attention to me not to think of it."

As if it were his true heart, Asher's eyes grew thicker. It was because she left Asher too much to gain the upper hand in the relationship with the nobles.

She didn't become the Crown Princess to fight the nobles. She had married Asher because she had wanted to be happy, and as he had been the Crown Prince, so somehow she had become the Crown Princess, but her position had already turned around.

"… I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. I loved that figure, too. Do as you please. Instead, don't leave me too alone. I might feel lonely and dry."

Aria, who eventually stopped eating at the words, moved to the side of Asher. As if he no longer had an appetite, he also put down his fork and took Aria's hand.

"Shall we go up to the room?"

"We'd better do that. The meal… we can have it upstairs later."

As Aria brought up the words he had been waiting for, he was quick to move as he rose from his seat. It was an agility not easily seen. As if he liked everything about Aria, she also loved even his haste, saying that it was so cute, and she rose from her seat following him and called him as if she had a good idea.

"Mr. Asher."

"Yes?"

"You want me to take care of this quickly, don't you?"

"Yes, and I'd like you to look at me. I don't like someone who talks about you."

As if to tell her if there was a way to speed things up, Asher urged her to answer.

"Well, do as I say."

"How?"

"Don't blame the person who tells my story."

"…"

She didn't want a way to solve it, but she wanted him not to disturb her.

When she said so, he looked reluctant, apparently unwilling, because he must have blamed the person who had told her story.

"You want me to talk about you with someone else? Do you want me to play with someone who praises you?"

"I don't want you to play with them, but please don't stop them from bringing up my story."

"…"

'Don't you think I'll have to finish the job only if the rumors spread quickly?' As Asher furrowed his forehead a little bit without answering, Aria said, as if she could not help it.

"If you keep it until it's done, I'll grant you a wish."

"… A wish?"

"Yes, a wish."

"… Any wish?"

"Anything I can do."

Only then did the dissatisfaction that had settled on his forehead disappear and his eyes began to shine. Even though she did not attach such a condition, he was willing to do anything if she asked for it.

"All right. Just trust me."

Naturally, Asher answered that he would do it. And fortunately, with his determination to make a wish to Aria, he clenched his teeth and endured the annoying moments as the story of Aria had been exchanged numerous times among the nobles, and Aria was soon able to get the situation she wanted.

* * *

"Her Highness the Crown Princess cannot have a meeting today."

"What? Why? I made a reservation a week ago and I was told to visit today…!"

Annie's stern words startled the nobleman, who had been waiting for his turn for a long time in front of the reception room. When she checked the list she was holding, his name was written as he said.

Annie realized that he had been omitted by her mistake and rolled her eyes for a while with her mouth shut. 'What shall I do? I should have handled it as I was told.' However, the reception had already been completed.

Aria had committed the work to her as she had trusted her. But even though she was worried about it, the situation didn't improve. 'Let's call the nobleman again next time.' It was possible because she had a strong background called the Crown Princess. Annie answered vaguely as if nothing was wrong.

"Are you sure you have a reservation? That's weird. I don't think so… Why isn't your name written on it?"

"What are you talking about…?"

'What nonsense!' Apparently, he had visited the Imperial Castle in person, made a reservation and even received confirmation. That was why he was able to get to the reception room!

The nobleman was so unhappy that Annie cocked her head and pretended to look at the list again. However, when she soon shook her head and gave a negative answer, the face of the nobleman turned blue.

"Please check it again! I'm sure the Crown Princess wants to meet me!"

"…"

The nobleman desperately clung to Annie for confirmation. Then Annie looked perplexed by this. It was because it was heartless to treat the person so coldly, who had waited for a week and barely faced his turn. For a nobleman, he looked desperate and she tried to pass on, but Annie went into the reception room as it was right that she had made a mistake.

"… Your Highness the Crown Princess. Can you give a person about ten minutes?" As soon as the door was closed, Annie with a very troubled face asked Aria.

Aria, who was about to leave the reception room, folded her eyes and asked Annie at the familiar question.

"Who is it?"

It was because Annie had made many mistakes on the visitor's list. Annie, who had a short temper, often made mistakes. If it wasn't for her connection in the mansion of the former Count Roscent, she wouldn't have given her eyes to her.

She had put the job to her, in high esteem for her ability to identify and properly deal with people in a short time. Annie had made frequent mistakes, but she had been so good at coping with the mistakes, and Aria thought that she would soon attach a meticulous person to Annie. So she asked his name as if she would allow it.

"He's Viscount Straw."

"Viscount Straw?"

"Yes, I thought he had something important to talk with you."

There had never been a case as those who wanted to meet Aria had no trivial matter. Everyone came to see her with an important purpose to satisfy their self-interest.

Annie, who thought this would be the case again as it had been usual for her to meet one or two more people even if she had made a mistake, was unexpectedly rejected.

"Reject it."

"Yes…?"

"I won't meet him."

"…?"

'Why?' Annie opened her mouth wide when she suddenly got into trouble.

Jessie, who was waiting behind Aria, also opened her eyes in a circle and wondered.

Annie, who thought there must be a reason for this, asked. "I… I… I'm sorry, but can I ask you why?"

"He is a remnant of the Aristocratic Party. He had a very good relationship with the former Count of Roscent. He managed to escape punishment."